I've had trouble with some of the smaller quicker guys, who have very fast counters. Every time I through a kick they spin round with that back kick and keep you out. I find the best thing to do is aim a front leg side kick at there hip, when they go for the back kick it will knock them off balance and I usually rush inw ith punches but seeing as it is olympic a kick or body punches would suffice.

In this situation I am a fair bit taller then the person I'm fighting (This technique is used alot at world champ level however the people who use it are usually taller). If you are the same height and he has faster kicks and better combos then u need to train harder and get faster.

by the way I can name a host of 6th and 7th dans that I could beat in point sparring. You don't get hihg ranks in TKD by winning tornaments so rank has shit all to do with point fighting ability.

Yes. Use distance to keep the smaller quicker fighter away. Since you are a blackbelt I'll give you a tip to go along with Kiwi's tip.

Even if you have to strike an area that isn't a "scroing target" do it. That means if you want to check his distance and his hip isn't open, smash a sidekick into his arm. He will change up or start to raise the arm enough to stuff into the hip.

The kick into the hip can also be used to set up a 45 kick to the body or a back kick to the body.

This was termed as a "cut-kick". It really isn't a pure sidekick; almost a front kick mixed with a side kick.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Uriel:...The kick into the hip can also be used to set up a 45 kick to the body or a back kick to the body...[/QUOTE]

Uriel is right but what I like to do is fake a rear leg round kick but change it to a cut kick placing my foot on the opponents hip and using them as a supporter I jump off my other foot and execute a jump back kick to the helmet. I use this but because this is a knock out technique, only use it durring competions where Knockuots are allowed. This kick is the easier form of a 360 jump back kick. Also, when some one is rushing you stop him with a cut kick and then do a 45 round kick with other leg.

I called him sensei because I have been doing Japanese styles for five years now, he was Norm to me. As far as the statement about point sparring and having nothing to do with rank, I would agree with this. I have sparred with a few sandans who didn't even touch me. I also use the kicking technique that you are discussing of kicking to the lead hip, although mine is a little more like a push kick. I never saw anyone beat Norm, but he was more of a full contact fighter, as am I. The idea behind this stance is to stand in it until your opponent is dumb enough to attack, and then counter. Not stand there all day. Most of your opponents are not patient enough to wait for you all damn day. I spar in a cross between a karate and a tkd stance, because it suits my needs and abilities. Shallow stance with my hands in a shuto position ( but with closed fists). I teach sparring to children and seldom lose to advanced belts, but this is still a posture that I teach, because it makes your opponent have to work for it. Yes it is basic, but basics are what work in most situations. That is why they are taught first and you are supposed to practise them for life.

I think that you need to work on your balance if you think that raising your leg is suicidal, I have stopped many attacks from a chambered position, as well as landing many side kicks this way. As far as Norm goes, it is very Rude to insult my former master, especially when you know nothing about him. If you did you wouldn't say such things. I will not give you his real name cause that would be very disrespectful, but lets just say if you were half the fighter he is you would have a room full of trophies.